DA under fire questions motive

DENVER — The top prosecutor in Las Animas and Huerfano counties says he wonders whether the state agency that prosecutes allegations of misconduct by attorneys is trying to drive him out of office.

Frank Ruybalid

District Attorney Frank Ruybalid raised that issue last week, questioning the motive of the Colorado Supreme Court’s Office of Regulatory Counsel for filing another complaint against him on Aug. 1.

The complaint claims more instances in which Ruybalid allegedly violated the court’s rules of professional conduct. The complaint contends he mishandled at least four criminal cases he filed last year.